what is the difference between the 1997 and the 1998, 3500 trucks? is there really any difference?

 

97s are all 12-valves. Half way through 98 they changed to 24-valves. 1998 also saw new interior and a quad cab model was available for the first time, although extended cab, non-QC trucks remained in production. I believe the QCs were only available in a shortbed in 98 too, whereas it's easy to find a 97 with an extended-cab and long-bed.

 

so there was no dfferences in the motors trans drivetrain etc between the 97 and the 98 excluding the 98.5?

 

Vacuum Booster and RWAL was standard to '97, with Hydroboost and 4W-ABS optional - '97 got Hydroboost, can be directly installed on '94-'96 trucks - '98 saw Hydroboost and 4W-ABS as standard - '98 Hydroboost is not directly compatible with earlier years due to different orientation of new master-cylinder with metric fittings - brake-line fittings became metric with 4W-ABS - somewhere around '98 front brakes got dual-piston calipers - rear disc brakes appeared around '00 - hub stud-patterns unchanged thru current - front and rear axles remained Dana thru '02 - front axles got improved hubs in '00 - transmission should be 47RE or NV4500 - NV5600 was '99 up - xfer case was NP-241 or 242 thru '02 - suspension remained same thru '02 - steering linkage changed several times thru '00 - and remember: at this late date , wysiwyg is the name of the game

 

Even though the 12 valve doesn't have much electronics the '98 has more in common with the 24 valves than the '97.

One thing I've found frustrating about the '98 is that it's it's own animal, earlier and later model year parts aren't interchangeable like they are with other years.
Sometimes this means that aftermarket parts aren't available or are much more expensive.

 

All 97's that I have seen, including both of mine are Hydraboost.

 

so in your opninons what is the better year 97 or 98? excluding 98.5

 

'97 is the best year ever made IMO

 

The 98 12v blocks are different they do not use NPT fittings like the 97

 

Some 98 12v's also had 53 blocks

 

what makes them that in your opnion?

i probably sound dumb but what are npt fittings?

 

98 got the STORM (Straight Thread O-Ring Metric) blocks, older blocks use NPT (National Pipe Tapered threads) for fittings. STORMs have second oil drain for turbos. Quad Cabs were available with both long and short beds, but obviously, 3500's were long bed only.

I prefer the 98 interiors to the 97's, as well as how the 5-speeds shift, since the 97 has the older style top cover. There are some differences between my 98 12v and my 94 12v engine, but nothing real major. Not sure what parts won't interchange, maybe Bill can elaborate on those.

 

I like the '97 best because of the higher power than previous years and old style interior.

Parts I've run into so far that wouldn't interchange have been sensors, keyswitch and other stuff I can't remember.

 

wow thanks for all the help yall i appreciate it